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Hurdles world record-holder, Amusan, charged with anti-doping violation

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Women’s hurdles world record-holder, Tobi Amusan, on Wednesday said she has been charged with an alleged anti-doping rule violation, casting doubt on her participation in next month’s world championships.

“Today the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has charged me with an alleged rule violation for having 3 missed tests in 12 months,” she said in a post on Instagram.

The Nigerian athlete set the current world record for the women’s 100m hurdles of 12.12 seconds at last year’s World Athletics Championships.

Amusan, 26, vowed to resolve the charges against her before this year’s competition, set to be held next month in Budapest.

“I intend to fight this charge and will have my case decided by a tribunal of 3 arbitrators before the start of next month’s World Championships,” she said.

“I am a CLEAN ATHLETE, and I am regularly; (maybe more than the usual) tested by the AIU – I was tested within days of my third ‘missed test.’ I have FAITH that this will be resolved in my favour and that I will be competing at the World Championships in August.”

On Sunday, Amusan took part in the Silesia Diamond League competition in Poland, where she set a new meeting record of 12.34sec.

At the Golden Spike athletics meet in the Czech Republic last month, she finished in third place in the women’s 100m hurdles, losing to reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, who claimed victory in 12.42sec.

When asked by reporters about improving her world record pace, she said: “Nothing is impossible and 11 seconds? Most definitely”.

But she was less confident about an ongoing debate on raising hurdles to give priority to technique over speed.

“Don’t do that, don’t raise the hurdles. Please,” said Amusan, who is 5’1 (156 centimetres) tall.

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Transfer: Akpom tipped to leave Ajax this summer

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Chuba Akpom is expected to leave Eredivisie giants Ajax Amsterdam at the end of the season.

Akpom joined the former European champions from Sky Bet Championship club, Middlesbrough last summer.

The 28-year-old has, however, struggled for regular time at the club and has been linked with a return to England.

According to Ajax insider, Lentin Goodijk, the Nigerian-born striker could leave the club before the start of next season.

“I don’t think he will accept sitting on the bench. Certainly not if serious clubs come for him, which I expect,” Goodijk was quoted as saying by Soccernews.

“It could easily take until August when the Premier League clubs start to panic a bit. Then they all have it on the list. If he can be picked up for €15m.

“That is absolutely nothing for Premier League clubs.”

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Juventus sack Allegri after Italian Cup triumph

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Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed by Juventus just two days after steering the team to victory in the Italian Cup.

Recall that the Turin club triumphed over Atalanta 1-0 in Rome, with Dusan Vlahovic securing an early goal.

However, Allegri’s behaviour marred the celebrations as he was ejected for ranting at match officials and dismissing the sporting director.

The Italian Football Federation’s disciplinary tribunal has since opened an investigation into Allegri’s conduct.

On Friday, Juventus officially announced Allegri’s departure in a statement via their website.

“Juventus announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his position as head coach of the men’s first team,” Juventus’ statement partly read.

“The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri good luck in his future endeavours.”

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LaLiga Awards: Full list of nominees out as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Girona dominate

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LaLiga has revealed the shortlist for their upcoming end-of-season awards ceremony, which includes four categories and the team of the season.

The winners will be announced on May 28 at the KAFD Globe Soccer European Awards in Sardinia.

Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites for the Player of the Year award, but Girona also has two nominees, with Artem Dovbyk and Aleix Garcia in the running.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid are also shortlisted for the prestigious award, with Takefusa Kubo, Kirian Rodriguez, Isco, and Alexander Sorloth in the mix.

The Young Player of the Year award has nominees under the age of 23 and is dominated by Girona and Barcelona. Among the candidates are newcomers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, along with Miguel Gutierrez, Savio, and Yan Couto from Barcelona. Kubo and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, Javi Guerra from Valencia, and Nico Williams from Athletic Club are also named.

For Goal of the Season, there are eight nominees, including Vinicius, Joao Cancelo, Saul Coco, Aitor Ruibal, Jesus Areso, Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, and Memphis Depay.

The Coach of the Year award is the final category, with Carlo Ancelotti, Michel Sanchez, Diego Simeone, Ernesto Valverde, and Marcelino Garcia Toral all nominated.

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